NAFDAC Alerts: Counterfeit Malaria Medications in Circulation

NAFDAC Warns of Counterfeit Anti-Malaria Drugs in Nigeria

“The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked.”

NAFDAC warns Nigerians about counterfeit anti-malaria drugs in circulation. Learn how to identify and report fake medications.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to the public about the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg in Nigeria. This announcement was made on Thursday, November 28, via a post on the agency's X account.

The counterfeit product was discovered during raids on some shops in Abuja and Rivers State. Laboratory tests revealed that the product contained zero Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and had two different date markings. Additionally, the NAFDAC Registration Number on the product was incorrect and had expired.

NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products. The agency has also advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the counterfeit product.

The public is warned to be cautious of the counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg, which can pose serious health risks. NAFDAC has provided contact information for reporting any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices.

“The product was also observed to have two different date markings.

“The NAFDAC database of registered products confirmed that the product licence has expired, and the NAFDAC registration number on it is incorrect and does not belong to the product.

“The Artemether and Lumefantrine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as antimalarials.

“It treats malaria, a red blood cell infection transmitted by mosquito bites.

“However, this medicine is not used to treat severe or complicated malaria.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning about a counterfeit anti-malarial drug, Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg, manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, an Indian-based company.

NAFDAC cautioned that counterfeit medicines pose serious health risks as they fail to meet regulatory standards, compromising their safety, quality, and effectiveness. These counterfeit products often fail to properly treat health conditions, potentially leading to severe health issues, including death.

The agency identified the batch number of the counterfeit product as 7225119, with a registration number of A11-0299. The manufacturing dates on the product were June 2023 and February 2023, while the expiry dates were May 2026 and June 2026. NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the zones and states.

The manufacturer of Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg is Strides Arcolab Limited, with an address at 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore (562 106), India. However, it's worth noting that the company has a different address listed on their website: Strides House, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore – 560076, India.

NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to closely monitor the situation and remove counterfeit products from circulation. Additionally, the agency has urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain. This is to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products, which can pose serious health risks.

Adding that, “All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers.

“The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked.”

Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspected substandard or counterfeit medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office. To make a report, you can call the NAFDAC hotline at 0800-162-3322 or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

Additionally, if you experience any adverse events or side effects from using medicines or devices, report them through the NAFDAC e-reporting platform on their website. You can also use the Med-Safety app, available on Android and iOS, or email pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stated that it will also post the alert on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to ensure global awareness and coordination.